Haddock risotto: the ultimate warmer...

After gorging on the comforts of Christmas – turkey, cheese and the obligatory Terry’s Chocolate Orange – it’s a fine time to shake up your daily menu with some of January’s seasonal offerings. With celery, parsnip, haddock, pear, venison and pheasant among the culinary delights at their very best right now, we’ve gathered together some winter warmers to fill and inspire you…

Hearty Haddock

The soft, melt-in-the-mouth natural creaminess of haddock lends a comfortable layer to dishes, without the sinful ingredients one looks to for love at this time of the year. It’s heavenly poached in milk and served with scrambled eggs – my favourite weekend breakfast; though its diversity makes for a plethora of different recipes. This low fat fish is high in metabolism and immune-boosting vitamin B12 and selenium, a great source of protein and divine in this creamy smoked haddock and leek risotto. Quick and easy to make, it’s the ultimate January warmer.

Celery, but not as you know it…

January is hard enough as it is, what with the extra long wait for pay day, dark lonely corner where the Christmas tree once twinkled, and a whole list of things you have decided that you really mustn’t do, without having to survive on a diet of celery sticks and air. Packed with blood pressure lowering active compounds phthalides, vitamin C, fibre and essential minerals potassium and folic acid, it’s more than just a waist watcher’s go-to. This celery and stilton soup proves it has a life beyond the crudités bowl; deliciously creamy and, with some fresh crusty bread, a hug in a bowl.

Virtuous Venison

A flavoursome lean meat which is also low in fat, high in protein, iron, zinc and vitamin B12, as well as other B vitamins, niacin, riboflavin and B6, all essential for converting the body’s proteins, carbohydrates and fat into usable energy; a must for new year exercise regimes. The deep taste of the meat combines beautifully with rich berry sauces, as proven in this recipe, which includes juniper berries, redcurrants, orange and port.

Perfect Pheasant

This meaty dish with pheasant breasts, smoky bacon and cider is one to cook at the weekend when you’ve got plenty of time to prepare it, and ideally a couple of friends you’ve been meaning to invite over for dinner. It sounds impressive but a cinch to make, it also boasts a multitude of vitamins and minerals.

Sugar ‘n’ Spice

Take advantage of pears while they’re still in season with these soft, spicy ginger and pear muffins. The vitamin E combined with free radical-fighting copper provides a boost winter-exposed skin will be thankful for, as well as vitamin C, A and fibre. Bake a batch for a quick, substantial breakfast on the go.

Nigella Lawson talks about her own pear and ginger muffin recipe…